Has anyone purchased a 98 or 99 F-150 with the 4.6 and been unhappy/happy with it? A friend has the 4.6 and is happy (tows 5000lb boat every weekend), but from what I've heard the 5.4 is still a better engine, even just for cruising. I know that the 99 5.4 is bigger and better, etc. I'm just curious is anyone has any experience with the 4.6 and has reasons they are unhappy/happy with it (i.e. off-road performance, boat towing, etc). Thanks, Ryan
First tank of gas in 1999 f 150 4x4 w/ 5.4l was 14.64 mpg inc city and mountain hwy. I've got to admit, I have a hard time staying out of the throttle! This thing does acccelerate and winds rpm's very quickly. It is fun to drive. Your up to 75 mph before you know it.
ron4, What rear end gear do you have? I ordered a '99 F-150 4x4 with 3.73 limited slip. Look forward to enjoying my new truck, like you, when it comes in.
Airwolf, I have a 98 F150 with the 4.6, and I've been happy with it; it has plenty of power for the highway, light hauling, and towing a little utility trailer. I was a bit concerned because it seemed like a small engine for a pickup, but no problems so far. Highway acceleration and gas mileage are a bit better than I expected.
I have the 3.55 axle. I'm averaging about 18.2 mpg on 87 octane fuel, with about 1/2 highway driving. This is actually better mileage than my wife's Grand Caravan V6, which (I think) is a much lighter vehicle. Anyway, it's a few mpg better than I expected, so I'm happy.
I got the 3.55 rear end. I was told I had to get the off road pkg w/ 17" wheels to get the 3.73's, a $1000 option.
When I got it, it had only 235x70r/16 tires that were only "all season" M&S. Same tires as on the 2wd. They looked too small with all the wheel well clearance on the 4x4. Dealer was good enough to upgrade me (for a nominal charge)w/ 255x70r/16 "all terrain" that look a whole lot better. The XLT standard polished alum wheels look sharp.
The bigger the wheels (diamenter), the higer the gearing.
Think I would have been happy w/ either gearing.
Brutus,
Looks like you'r right (again), on the electric windows. They do work for several minutes after the key is out of the ignition. Great feature so you dont have to turn the key back on if you forget to roll up the windows before shutting the engine off.
I just returned from a neighborhood Ford dealer wanting to get a price on a 99 f150 4x2 supercab. The manager seemed very confused about what options were standard on the XLT. He told me that power windows/door locks and air were no longer included in the XLT package and that the catalog routinely contained errors with respect to these issues. The info on the kbb site still says the 99 XLT includes air at no charge and pw/pdlocks. Has anyone else been told this or am I getting the run around?
ron4, I beleive you could have ordered the 3.73 rear end without the Off Road package, the limited slip would be slightly cheaper if you had the package.
hydroboy, Mistakes can be made whenever something is printed, however, Ford does not make a habit of mis-informing consumers. The items you list are in the XLT package. I suggest you return quickly to that Ford dealer and tell the Manager to save that Salesman, he obviously is going to suffocate because he has his head up his butt!
I have been shopping for a truck for several weeks.... Yesterday I found a 97 high mileage FI50 xlt (fully loaded) that looks like the truck of my dreams.... It seems in the ball park price-wise.... what I need to know.... do I dare spend 15,000 on a pickup with 100K on the odometer??? these are reportedly highway miles, the truck is spotless, no evidence of heavy use in the box or towing package.... Any caveats about this truck? I am a country dwelling widow with an 18 ft fishing boat to haul from time to time, a big lawn mower to cart to the repair shop...and I have to get to work through North Country snows for about 4 to 6 months each winter.... Is this truck the right choice???? Help Please!
I wonder why anyone would even consider spending $15,000 on an XLT with 100,000 miles when you can get a brand new XLT extended cab for about $20,000-to-21,000.
Lwf: For those of us who deal with payments, there is a difference between a 15K and 20K dollar loan. While I have been a “car guy” since I was a rug-rat (as reported by my older brother), there are other things that have a higher priority (teenage daughter + gymnastics tuition + etc.) than a larger payment.
I would also like to know the opinions of those who have driven their trucks to the realm of 100k+ miles and their recommendations for what to consider.
I drove a ’70 BMW 2002 for over 250k miles and have shared my experiences with other bimmerheads. This is a different arena and I too, am an attentive student for when I can get the truck I want and can afford.
(Maybe when she’s off to college on her full-ride gymnastic scholarship . . .)
I don't disagree with the idea of buying a used vehicle if one would rather not pay a lot more for a new one. In fact, I once had a situation that was very much like the one yomaa describes when I bought a 2-year-old car with 97,000 miles on it for my mother. I knew she wasn't going to put very many miles on it, but it put her in a relatively new vehicle. The difference was that I paid only 25 percent of what a new car of the same brand and model would have cost; whereas, yomaa is asking for comments on the idea of paying 75 percent of the cost of a new F150 for a used one that has 100,000 miles on it. I reitterate what I said originally. I wonder why anyone would even consider doing this.
I don't know if you are suggesting that because you once got 250,000 miles out of a car, yomaa might expect another 150,000 trouble-free miles from the 100,000-mile pickup she is looking at. If so, I doubt it. My guess is that if she were to buy it, she might end up spending that $5,000 she saved on necessary repairs over the next 50,000 miles. In other words, I think there is a good chance she might still spend $20,000, but instead of then having a 1999 with 50,000 miles she'll have a 1997 with 150,000 miles.
I think buying the 100,000-mile F150 for $15,000 is a bad idea.
yomma, I must agree with both of the views expressed. A little extra paid now may well be money spent later, however, the extra money needed to buy a new truck may not be available. Neither is getting you an answer. You may want to consider two things, look to get a '98 as Ford is offering close out deals and incentives or look to leasing. A lease is nothing but another form of financing. Good luck!
lwf . . . I apologize that my wording generated the reaction.
My point was, some vehicles have a “norm” of going more “trouble-free” miles than others. I do recognize that many of those same vintage BMW 2002s met earlier demises due to operator maltreatment and integral deficiencies (i.e. the Friday or Monday car.)
Everyone . . . Having been reading all the posts in the Pickup Conference for the past six months, including to Archives. My target vehicle has slid all over the place. Upon entry to the conference, I thought a Dodge was the “way cool thing to drive.” I still like the looks, but have learned a few more things from the postings I have found here.
I still have a moving target, and will, no doubt, until I define and find “the truck”. At least it doesn’t slide around as much as before.
* My target will be a daily commuter of approximately 11,000 miles a year. * I plan to rent a pull behind travel trailer two or three times a year for a distance range of 1000 miles to see if it’s something to actually consider for a more frequent endeavor later. If so, it would then become realistic to go for the serious full time tow rig and a fifth wheel trailer. * At this point, the starting truck may be a 95 or 96 F150 XLT or Lariat with: 5.8, 4x4, Ex.tCab, AT, LimSlip, and Tow Package.
So, down to my real question. What do I need to watch for as problems to avoid?
Example: A friend believes that the ESOF is somehow related to his front rotors wearing out every 30K on his 96 F150XLT. Should I be avoiding the ESOF or the 4 wheel ABS? Neither is on my list of “must have” options, but I wouldn’t reject the truck if they were there. Should I reject the truck because of those options?
HELP! My 95 ford 150 has developed a leak on the passenger side that only happens when its raining hard and your doing 45-60. I've tried to get it to leak in my drive but no luck, I put water over every part at high pressure and volume but it stayed dry. Any ideas or similar stories and remedies would be much appreciated!!!
Tell us more about the leak. You said passenger side. Are we talking windshield, rear window, side window, door? Is it up high or down low? Where do you see this water? Need more info.
the leak is coming from under the dash, some trickles down on the kick panel but the majority comes down from the air conditioning area, directly behind the glove box. I've looked under the hood but every thing looks tight. I was told by the dealer that a new windshield was installed, but I sprayed around it and no leak, only when it rains and when in motion. THANKS!!
the leak may be because the tube that allows condensation on the condenser to exit under the vehicle is clogged... I have a 78 F-150 that started leaking just under the dash behind the glove box.. there is a plastic tube under the truck behind the passenger side front wheel that was clogged with dirt and other crap.. I cleaned that out and whala!! fixed the problem... *shrug* Don't know your whole story just your last post so maybe this wont help at all.. Have a great day..
There dosent apear to be a tube on my 95. But that doen't mean theres not! But as it only does this when it rains I suspect my problem isn't going to fix this easy, my luck! Thanks anyway!
i am considering purchasing a new '99 f150 extended 4x4 flareside. is 500.00 over invoice an unreal expectation? if not, what is the going price others have gotten over invoice?
$500 is usually a reasonable offer on a truck that you are buying off the lot, especially when there is a high demand. $100-200 over invoice is reasonable when you order. Since you didn't offer any add'l info, that's all I can help with for now.
I'm on the verge of buying a '99 4WD F-150 XLT with the 4.6L V-8. Comes with the standard 3.55-ratio axle without limited slip, and with 16" all-terrain wheels. Should I want limited slip????? Please answer ASAP. Tomorrow's the bottom of the ninth inning. Reply to my e-mail at condit@aol.com, if you'd like! THANKS.
I replied via email, but to answer it here as well, get the lim. slip. It'll help in low traction situations, especially when the bed is empty. And my vote is for the 5.4 V8.
I'm a proud new owner of a 97' F-150 xlt extended cab with only 17,000 miles on it. It was the deal of a life time. It has the off-road package with the 5.4l engine, the tow package, 6-disc cd changer, third door, a $1,000.00 cap, bed liner, bug deflector, etc. I only paid $21,000. The sticker price for this truck new minus the bed liner and cap is $29,500. It was well worth the wait. i've been shopping for the right truck for over a year.
condit, I agree, you should really consider the lmt. slip. I ordered it for my '99 (can't wait to get it in!!). For around $300, I think its worth it. I currently have a '82 F-150 2 whl. dr. w/lmt. slip and glad it has it. Also, I agree on the 5.4L engine, won't have to work as hard and reports say the gas mileage is not that different. Good luck, let us know what you decided.
I am thinking of buying a deceased family member's 1995 Ford F150 XLT Extended Cab pickup from his wife. All factory, except Ford truckbed liner installed after purchase & custom installed bumper. Pretty red truck with around 68,000 miles. Most miles were traveling miles out of state to visit relatives 2x's a year. I drove the truck for three weeks (probably 400 miles consisting of all city driving) and dearly loved it. I'm tall and the truck was very comfortable and I found no blind spots. The trucks is not low to the ground and I liked being equal with all the Mom's driving the suburban's (they scare me with their housewife measurement of distances). It just "felt" safe. I also like the squareness of the truck. The new rounded trucks are unattractive to me, I prefer square.
However, when I have mentioned I am interested in the truck, my family and friends have said: 1) You're crazy, don't you know Ford means fix or repair daily; 2) Why do you think it has two gas tanks on it, it guzzles gas; 3)that is too much truck for you; 4) Maintenance, repair and insurance will eat your lunch; 4) Why not just get a new one with a warranty.
I am thinking of offering $8,000 for the truck, but I am hesitant to do so now. I live in the city and will always be driving it in the city. I don't know... any suggestions? I have never owned a truck, always a sedan. Anything I need to consider?
Your comments are welcomed. Is the upkeep really expensive.
phh. First, I offer my condolences in your loss. It’s never easy. I submit for your consideration: While the truck may be the right vehicle for you, it sounds like you may be encumbered with the “family” factor. No matter what happens if you acquire the truck, it will still be the “deceased persons truck.” There are emotional factors that we could hardly guess that effect other family members and their regard for you and the truck. I would suggest that you take the experience of driving the truck as the learning experience that it was, and shop for another one that does not come with the family emotions. The only reason to pursue “this truck” is the presence of any emotional attachments that you may have for the truck. If this is the case, then stand up for your interests. May you have fair winds and following seas.
Just fixing to hit 57000 miles on my trouble-free 1996 F-150. A shame Ford stopped making the 300 straight six, probably the best engine they ever made. Keep you posted as I rack up more miles!! Happy Ford trucking!!!
Does anyone know if my '85 F150 can pull a car on a car trailer? I have to pick up my Mach1, and was going to borrow the neighbor's trailer. The trailer isn't an enclosed one. It's the type with a basic frame and 2x6 boards running across it. I have a carbureted 302 with an Automatic transmission. I would have to pull it up one VERY steep hill, but then it would be normal hills. Anyone know if I should chance it? I currently have 101,000 miles on my engine with a rebuilt transmission. Thanks for any help.
I am thinking about getting a 99 f150 with a manual transmission. Most of the f150's I see in the dealerships are automatics and a couple of salesmen have said that most everyone buys the automatic. I test drove a manual and liked it (my old vehicle had a manual and I am used to driving one). Is one more problem free than the other? Should I just go with the automatic (I wouldn't have to order the one I want then). I won't be doing any towing or heavy hauling with the truck. Thanks
Most any truck can pull most any trailer. Questions you should think about: How are the brakes (leave extra room to stop)? Will you be happy on the highway (should be alright, just slow to get up there)? I think you'll be fine in the power department, but w/o trailer brakes you'll have to be really carefull stopping.
Is the steep hill on an Interstate or a road that you can drive up slowly losing speed without being rear-ended (or overly holding up traffic)?
The large hill leads up to the hi-way, but isn't on the hi-way itself. I believe the road is two lanes in both directions, so I shouldn't inconvenience anyone. If it isn't two lanes, I'll pull over and let people around me. I don't mind if it takes me a while to get up to speed. I'll have to check and see if the trailer has brakes, that I don't know. Thanks for the information. I guess I'll give it a try. As long as the truck can physically perform the job, I'm willing to do it.
I have a question that's plagued me for years: Is it a good idea to put weight over the rear axle (say 2 to 3 hundred pounds of sandbags) to increase the handling performance in general and traction in snow? Any official word on this? In my experience it seems to help some, but I'm not sure if its safe, and I think it cost some in gas milage. Also, is it true that the limited slip rear end makes for poor cornering in some conditions? Anybody have the answer to these questions?
Am going to buy a new 150 4X4 X-cab SB. First venture in pick-up land. Leaning towards 4.6 manual. Enough mustard? Silly not to get 5.4 auto? Trailer seldom and just small boat when. Not afraid of auto or $$$ but would like to keep $$$ down if not inadvisable to do so. Help me out with any and all opinions/info on this and spec-out in general.
Weight in the back of the truck will help the rear tires grip better in the snow. Since your rear end in a 2wd is what's pushing the truck, some extra weight in the back should help.
There is a topic on limited slip that you might check out to answer your other question.
I'm not sure what the mpg is with the 5.4L in the F-150. I was scanning a consumer report that indicated the average mpg over a one year period with a 4.6L F-150 was 12.5. That seemed a little low. Hopefully, you will get some feedback from some people who actually own and are currently driving F-150s with both engines. I have a friend in CA who recently bought a 4.6L F-150. I'll see if I can find out from him what he is getting.
Rayven I used to put a sand bag over each rear wheel when I drove in the snow; it had no slip differential. In combination with chains I could go almost anywhere without slipping. Ron
Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the 3.73 and 3.55 axle? Is one better than the other for towing and for 4X4? Which will give you better mileage assuming they both are powered by a 5.4 L engine? I don't intend to do serious off-road driving, but I do want the additional insurance of a 4 wheel drive on poorly maintained forest service dirt roads where there might have been rain damage (erosion, washout, potholes, mudholes, snow etc) Thanks
Glocat -- those ratios are so close I doubt that you'd see much difference in them. The 3.55 will be slightly less powerful, and give you slightly better gas mileage... but not by much. If you're doing a lot of highway driving I'd take the 3.55s; if not, or if you're planning to tow a pretty heavy trailer, go with the 3.73s.
Don't waste time waiting on Edmunds, go to Kelley's Blue Book http://www.kbb.com for the 99 prices. I use KBB rather than Edmunds when possible becuase their information is cleaner.
MPG on a 97 x-cab 2WD with 5.4L. 15. City 14-15, Highway 15-16. At least it is consistent. I might opt for the 4.6L if you could pick up 2-3 MPG. But I do love the power. IMHO Paul
Have to brag! Picked up my '99 F-150 4x4 Lariat last night. What a great looking truck!! Rides real fine, but doesn't let you forget it is a truck, built FORD tough.
I noticed there was a Sport Group for the '99 150 XLT listed in the KBB. Does anyone know what that includes? I'm considering the 150 XLT supercab Flairside 4x4. I'm trying to decide what tires to get and whether the Sport Group should be considered as an option. I appreciate any info that can be provided.
Ford hasn't released updated package information, and the build for that package isn't supposed to begin until late November 98 -- that's the last thing I heard.
Good evening folks. I am also looking into the sport package for a 2WD XLT 4.6L. The package should be available beginning on 8, acording to AutoSite. Can someone verify that ? I also notice that the package also come with a 17' tire(SBRP275/60R17 SL OWD AT). Anybody knows how 17' tire affects the performance(eg. mileage and acceleration) ? Ford 99 F-Series literature indicates that the package come with black mash. Yet other reports like AutoSite and CARPRICES say that it comes with honeycomb grille insert, which I really like. So what kind of grille comes with this package? Help !!!! Thanks.
Short box only. XLT 4X4 would get you: color-keyed bumpers, 4X4 decal in black or bright red or white or silver, V8 black mesh grill insert, 17" cast aluminum wheels, P265 OWL all terrains. Pricing not firm yet. "Late availability". Subjective call. I don't think I could handle bumpers painted the color I like best for the rest.
Comments
Thanks,
Ryan
The EPA milage sticker says 13 city, 16 hwy.
What rear end gear do you have? I ordered a '99 F-150 4x4 with 3.73 limited slip.
Look forward to enjoying my new truck, like you, when it comes in.
I got the 3.55 rear end. I was told I had to get the off road pkg w/ 17" wheels to get the 3.73's, a $1000 option.
When I got it, it had only 235x70r/16 tires that were only "all season" M&S. Same tires as on the 2wd. They looked too small with all the wheel well clearance on the 4x4. Dealer was good enough to upgrade me (for a nominal charge)w/ 255x70r/16 "all terrain" that look a whole lot better. The XLT standard polished alum wheels look sharp.
The bigger the wheels (diamenter), the higer the gearing.
Think I would have been happy w/ either gearing.
Brutus,
Looks like you'r right (again), on the electric windows. They do work for several minutes after the key is out of the ignition. Great feature so you dont have to turn the key back on if you forget to roll up the windows before shutting the engine off.
I beleive you could have ordered the 3.73 rear end without the Off Road package, the limited slip would be slightly cheaper if you had the package.
hydroboy,
Mistakes can be made whenever something is printed, however, Ford does not make a habit of mis-informing consumers. The items you list are in the XLT package. I suggest you return quickly to that Ford dealer and tell the Manager to save that Salesman, he obviously is going to suffocate because he has his head up his butt!
I have been shopping for a truck for several
weeks.... Yesterday I found a 97 high mileage FI50
xlt (fully loaded) that looks like the truck of
my
dreams.... It seems in the ball park
price-wise.... what I need to know.... do I dare
spend 15,000 on a pickup with 100K on the
odometer??? these are reportedly highway miles,
the truck is spotless, no evidence of heavy use in
the box or towing package....
Any caveats about this truck?
I am a country dwelling widow with an 18 ft
fishing boat to haul from time to time, a big lawn
mower to cart to the repair shop...and I have to
get to work through North Country snows for about
4
to 6 months each winter....
Is this truck the right choice???? Help Please!
For those of us who deal with payments, there is a difference between a 15K and 20K dollar loan. While I have been a “car guy” since I was a rug-rat (as reported by my older brother), there are other things that have a higher priority (teenage daughter + gymnastics tuition + etc.) than a larger payment.
I would also like to know the opinions of those who have driven their trucks to the realm of 100k+ miles and their recommendations for what to consider.
I drove a ’70 BMW 2002 for over 250k miles and have shared my experiences with other bimmerheads. This is a different arena and I too, am an attentive student for when I can get the truck I want and can afford.
(Maybe when she’s off to college on her full-ride gymnastic scholarship . . .)
I don't disagree with the idea of buying a used vehicle if one would rather not pay a lot more for a new one. In fact, I once had a situation that was very much like the one yomaa describes when I bought a 2-year-old car with 97,000 miles on it for my mother. I knew she wasn't going to put very many miles on it, but it put her in a relatively new vehicle. The difference was that I paid only 25 percent of what a new car of the same brand and model would have cost; whereas, yomaa is asking for comments on the idea of paying 75 percent of the cost of a new F150 for a used one that has 100,000 miles on it. I reitterate what I said originally. I wonder why anyone would even consider doing this.
I don't know if you are suggesting that because you once got 250,000 miles out of a car, yomaa might expect another 150,000 trouble-free miles from the 100,000-mile pickup she is looking at. If so, I doubt it. My guess is that if she were to buy it, she might end up spending that $5,000 she saved on necessary repairs over the next 50,000 miles. In other words, I think there is a good chance she might still spend $20,000, but instead of then having a 1999 with 50,000 miles she'll have a 1997 with 150,000 miles.
I think buying the 100,000-mile F150 for $15,000 is a bad idea.
I must agree with both of the views expressed. A little extra paid now may well be money spent later, however, the extra money needed to buy a new truck may not be available.
Neither is getting you an answer.
You may want to consider two things, look to get a '98 as Ford is offering close out deals and incentives or look to leasing. A lease is nothing but another form of financing.
Good luck!
I apologize that my wording generated the reaction.
My point was, some vehicles have a “norm” of going more “trouble-free” miles than others. I do recognize that many of those same vintage BMW 2002s met earlier demises due to operator maltreatment and integral deficiencies (i.e. the Friday or Monday car.)
Everyone . . .
Having been reading all the posts in the Pickup Conference for the past six months, including to Archives. My target vehicle has slid all over the place.
Upon entry to the conference, I thought a Dodge was the “way cool thing to drive.” I still like the looks, but have learned a few more things from the postings I have found here.
I still have a moving target, and will, no doubt, until I define and find “the truck”. At least it doesn’t slide around as much as before.
* My target will be a daily commuter of approximately 11,000 miles a year.
* I plan to rent a pull behind travel trailer two or three times a year for a distance range of 1000 miles to see if it’s something to actually consider for a more frequent endeavor later. If so, it would then become realistic to go for the serious full time tow rig and a fifth wheel trailer.
* At this point, the starting truck may be a 95 or 96 F150 XLT or Lariat with: 5.8, 4x4, Ex.tCab, AT, LimSlip, and Tow Package.
So, down to my real question.
What do I need to watch for as problems to avoid?
Example: A friend believes that the ESOF is somehow related to his front rotors wearing out every 30K on his 96 F150XLT. Should I be avoiding the ESOF or the 4 wheel ABS? Neither is on my list of “must have” options, but I wouldn’t reject the truck if they were there. Should I reject the truck because of those options?
Thanks folks.
Tell us more about the leak. You said passenger side. Are we talking windshield, rear window, side window, door? Is it up high or down low? Where do you see this water? Need more info.
Don't know your whole story just your last post so maybe this wont help at all.. Have a great day..
thanks
Cheers,
Ryan
Please answer ASAP. Tomorrow's the bottom of the ninth inning. Reply to my e-mail at condit@aol.com, if you'd like!
THANKS.
Cheers,
Ryan
That sounds like the exact truck I'd spec out, minus the cap.
Ryan
I agree, you should really consider the lmt. slip. I ordered it for my '99 (can't wait to get it in!!). For around $300, I think its worth it. I currently have a '82 F-150 2 whl. dr. w/lmt. slip and glad it has it. Also, I agree on the 5.4L engine, won't have to work as hard and reports say the gas mileage is not that different.
Good luck, let us know what you decided.
However, when I have mentioned I am interested in the truck, my family and friends have said:
1) You're crazy, don't you know Ford means fix or repair daily; 2) Why do you think it has two gas tanks on it, it guzzles gas; 3)that is too much truck for you; 4) Maintenance, repair and insurance will eat your lunch; 4) Why not just get a new one with a warranty.
I am thinking of offering $8,000 for the truck, but I am hesitant to do so now. I live in the city and will always be driving it in the city. I don't know... any suggestions? I have never owned a truck, always a sedan. Anything I need to consider?
Your comments are welcomed.
Is the upkeep really expensive.
First, I offer my condolences in your loss. It’s never easy.
I submit for your consideration:
While the truck may be the right vehicle for you, it sounds like you may be encumbered with the “family” factor.
No matter what happens if you acquire the truck, it will still be the “deceased persons truck.” There are emotional factors that we could hardly guess that effect other family members and their regard for you and the truck.
I would suggest that you take the experience of driving the truck as the learning experience that it was, and shop for another one that does not come with the family emotions.
The only reason to pursue “this truck” is the presence of any emotional attachments that you may have for the truck. If this is the case, then stand up for your interests.
May you have fair winds and following seas.
Most any truck can pull most any trailer. Questions you should think about: How are the brakes (leave extra room to stop)? Will you be happy on the highway (should be alright, just slow to get up there)? I think you'll be fine in the power department, but w/o trailer brakes you'll have to be really carefull stopping.
Is the steep hill on an Interstate or a road that you can drive up slowly losing speed without being rear-ended (or overly holding up traffic)?
There is a topic on limited slip that you might check out to answer your other question.
I'm not sure what the mpg is with the 5.4L in the F-150. I was scanning a consumer report that indicated the average mpg over a one year period with a 4.6L F-150 was 12.5. That seemed a little low. Hopefully, you will get some feedback from some people who actually own and are currently driving F-150s with both engines. I have a friend in CA who recently bought a 4.6L F-150. I'll see if I can find out from him what he is getting.
I used to put a sand bag over each rear wheel when I drove in the snow; it had no slip differential. In combination with chains I could go almost anywhere without slipping.
Ron
I don't intend to do serious off-road driving, but I do want the additional insurance of a 4 wheel drive on poorly maintained forest service dirt roads where there might have been rain damage (erosion, washout, potholes, mudholes, snow etc)
Thanks
Ryan
IMHO Paul
Picked up my '99 F-150 4x4 Lariat last night. What a great looking truck!! Rides real fine, but doesn't let you forget it is a truck, built FORD tough.
Ford 99 F-Series literature indicates that the package come with black mash. Yet other reports like AutoSite and CARPRICES say that it comes with honeycomb grille insert, which I really like. So what kind of grille comes with this package? Help !!!! Thanks.